OPERA America draws on resources and expertise from within and beyond the opera field to advance a mutually beneficial agenda that serves and strengthens the field through programs in the following categories:

Creation: Artistic services that help artists and companies increase the creativity and excellence of opera productions, especially North American works;

Presentation: Opera company services that address the specific needs of staff, trustees and volunteers;

Enjoyment: Education, audience development and community services that increase all forms of opera appreciation.

New York City is home to the nation’s largest concentration of performing and creative artists, professional training institutions and music businesses. A majority of OPERA America’s Professional Company Members hold or attend auditions in New York City annually, and opera leaders from Europe and around the world are regular visitors.

In response to the pressing need for appropriate space in New York by members who suffered from the lack of good audition and work facilities in the city, OPERA America created the National Opera Center. The Opera Center serves many functions that support the artistic and economic vitality of the field by providing its constituents with a range and level of services never before possible.

OPERA America serves members across the entire opera field through research, publications and services in support of the creation, performance and enjoyment of opera. Our work is only possible with the generous support of donors dedicated to the future of opera in America.

University of Louisville Opera Theatre: An International Marriage — A Unique Opera Exchange between the University of Louisville and a Polish ConservatoryCarrie Page, Publications and Media Relations, University of Louisville

When it comes to a Mozart opera, the complicated plans of the characters are a tea party compared to the actual execution of a stage production. Throw in two casts at two schools separated by an ocean, and you can begin to guess the challenges faced by the University of Louisville Opera Theatre as they mount a collaborative production of Le nozze di Figaro with the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice, Poland.

In mid-October 2007, nine Polish voice students from Katowice will travel to Louisville for a one-month stay to rehearse and perform the opera with students from the University of Louisville School of Music. In January 2008, University of Louisville students will travel to Katowice, Poland to perform the production. The University of Louisville School of Music has a special "sister institution" relationship with the Karol Szymanowski Academy, a long-standing exchange program that was formalized in 2003.

Kelly Ballou, the American soprano singing the role of Susanna, is ecstatic. "It's such a fantastic opportunity to be involved with an opera program at this level."

"To sing Le nozze de Figaro in its original Italian at our age in this country is substantial," explains Nathan Wilson, a recent graduate of the University of Louisville Opera Theatre program, "but to have the chance to then take the production to Europe is immense."

Work on the opera collaboration began in 2005. Kimcherie Lloyd, director of orchestra and opera at University of Louisville and director of music for Kentucky Opera, says, "We've talked about things for so long, it's fun to finally see all the plans working out." From auditions to rehearsals to costume fittings, the various components are slowly coming together.

The production will be sung in Italian (a language foreign to both casts), with the final pairings of the cast not decided until after at least a week of rehearsals in Louisville. All the production elements will be designed and built in Louisville, supervised by Michael Ramach, stage director of the University of Louisville Opera Theatre, who will also direct the production. Sets, props, and costumes will be transported to Poland and back by Louisville-based UPS. The local student chorus and orchestra will join the production in each venue. Both productions will be conducted by Lloyd.

Lloyd says Figaro was a natural pick because of its long and successful history in the operatic repertoire and number of roles available to young singers. Lloyd has conducted Figaro many times before but says, "It's different every time. Every cast brings something fresh to the table."

"It's certainly challenging to do a bi-continental production, where most of the preparation has to be done long-distance," said Ramach. "But with technology, it's really becoming an even smaller world."

From communications to plastics, obstacles are overcome daily with the latest technological innovations. High-quality DVD recordings, Webcams, and voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) have come in handy with international auditions and rehearsals. Sets that can be rolled up, sleeved, and shipped by jet were made possible through newer materials.

Ramach, who has directed more than 250 productions of operas and plays, says Le nozze di Figaro is his favorite opera. "It's a really great dramatic work, and it still makes people laugh, even after all these years. No matter what their age or nationality, audiences will not be disappointed."

The Louisville performances of Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro will take place November 9 and 11 at the Kentucky Center Bomhard Theatre. Tickets will be on sale at the Kentucky Center box office as of August 15. For more information, call 502-852-6907.

To have your company’s photos included in the header rotation, send photos that are at least 1200px wide and 550px tall to Webmaster@operaamerica.org. Please note that submission of photos does not guarantee inclusion.

All OPERA America facilities are handicapped accessible. The National Opera Center features ground-level entry with elevators to the venue. All spaces are wheelchair accessible, and modular seating can be arranged to accommodate wheelchair users for all programs and performances. Handicapped accessible restrooms are available on all floors.